✈️Fatal Flight Details Released

Good morning, Bow Valley!

Ever wonder where in the heck our Kananaskis pass fees go?  Well, we finally got the details below. Also, do you have questions about the Bow Valley real estate market—buying, selling, trends, investment opportunities, property values, financing, or local regulations? Submit them here, and our local expert will answer next week.

In today’s Bow Valley Insider:

• Canmore continues to lead the pack with home prices 

• Albertans oppose additional Parks fees

• The iconic Banff sign is officially moving

Let’s get to it!

— Fortune Whelan, Shireen Ahmed, Lauren H., & Ben S.

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REPORT RELEASED ON FATAL FLIGHT

What’s happening? The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) just wrapped up its investigation into a tragic plane crash that occurred last year in Exshaw, which sadly claimed the lives of six people. 

Pilot Error: The report, released on Wednesday, highlighted that the pilot was unprepared and motivated by a strong personal desire to go through with the flight.

Lack of Weather Briefing: The pilot neglected to get a proper weather briefing from Nav Canada and instead relied on online sources.

Cloud Conditions: The weather conditions in Exshaw were much worse than reported. Local highway cameras showed that low clouds obscured mountain peaks at the time of the crash.

Influencing Factors: The pilot's decision-making was impacted by various factors, including the urge to attend a social event, dwindling daylight, and a sense of familiarity with the flight route from Springbank Airport.

THE DIGEST

• 📢A petition to twin a dangerous section of the Trans-Canada Highway in Yoho National Park has reached 440 of 500 signatures. Field resident Alex Goatcher urges for safer lanes and wildlife crossings, citing numerous tragedies. The petition is open until November 18, and support is crucial for change.

• 💸Canmore leads the pack again! Home prices surged 10.2% over the past year, with the average detached home now at $1,674,900—outpacing Calgary's 8.8% rise. Despite a dip in sales, demand for high-priced homes remains strong.

• 🫸Alberta Parks stopped accepting new geocaching applications in Kananaskis in 2019, with no plans to resume. With over 1,000 geocaches in the area, locals like Ian Hunt call for better communication and guidelines, arguing geocaching has less environmental impact than other allowed activities.

• 📣Liricon Capital (owner of Mount Norquay) has stepped up to fund the installation of the iconic Banff welcome sign at the grassy knoll near the train station. While the current sign on Mount Norquay Road has been a hit, safety concerns like jaywalking and illegal parking have prompted the move. Council members believe the new spot will be safer and more inviting for visitors.

• 🤔Wondering where your Kananaskis Conservation Pass money goes? Last year, over $12 million was reinvested into K-Country: $950K on conservation, $2.2M on trail maintenance, $1.5M on mountain rescue, and $3.85M on facility operations—helping keep K-Country beautiful and accessible for all!

SURVEY SAYS: ALBERTANS OPPOSE PARK FEES

What’s Happening: The results are in from a government survey about the future of provincial parks, and they reveal that many Albertans are not too keen on extra fees or commercial development in parks. Postmedia received insight about the over 4,900 survey responses through a freedom of information request.

Strong Opposition to Fees: 53% of respondents opposed paying extra user fees during peak times. Only 25% were in favor, showing a clear desire for accessible park access without added costs.

Support for Affordable Camping: 70% of participants backed the construction of basic, budget-friendly campsites without power or water. This option would help make camping more affordable for everyone.

Diverse Recreation Preferences: 85% favored opportunities for quiet nature experiences, while 64% wanted expanded trail networks. Only 18% supported more motorized recreation, making it one of the least popular options.

Concerns About Regulations: 62% cited insufficient education and enforcement of current regulations as barriers to enjoying parks. A significant number also mentioned that other visitors often don’t understand these rules.

THINGS TO DO

Friday

• Join the flag-raising and march to celebrate Banff Pride. Kick off this celebration October 4 from 4- 5:3 PM. Meet across from the Bear Street Courtyard, Banff.

• Climb for a toonie and then enjoy Happy Hour. This weekly event is October 4, 12- 10 PM. Canmore Climbing Gym, Canmore.

• Enjoy a game of chess and meet other players. Local chess enthusiast Eric Boerger hosts Library Chess Night October 4, 5- 8 PM. Canmore Public Library, Canmore.

• Join a yoga session for all skill levels. Chie Fujimaru hosts Yoga at the Library on October 4, 6:15- 7:15 PM. Banff Public Library, Banff. Free

• Join a Latin dance class with a party.Salsa Social is October 4, 8- 11:30 PM. artsPlace, Canmore. $15/ $8

Saturday

• Enjoy a free pancake breakfast. Celebrate the grand opening of the new Canmore Fire Station October 5, 9 - 11 AM. 1200 Steward Road, Canmore. Free but donations to the Bow Valley Food Bank encouraged.

• Check out family fun and discounts. The grand opening of Valley Kids and Local Market is October 5, 10:30 AM- 6 PM. 113-1151 Sidney Street, Canmore.

• Sample some wine and tapas. A wine tasting from Peninsula Vinicultores is October 5, 1 PM. Crazyweed, Canmore. $92

• So you like to square dance? The Old Time Rendezvous Square Dance is October 5, 7- 10 PM. St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Canmore. $11.98

Sunday

• Help clean up a 3 km stretch of highway in memory of Nicholas Arsenault. Nick’s Highway Clean-Up and Fundraiser is October 6 at 10:30 AM. Meet at Gap Lake, Lake Louise. Bags, vests, and gloves will be provided.

• Enjoy some snacks while crafting floral table decor. Alpenflora Canmore presents Thank Gawd It’s Fall October 6, 11 AM- 1 PM. 105 Bow Meadows Crescent, Unit 136, Canmore. $75. 18+

• Brunch and a drag show sound pretty fabulous? Sunday Slay with Scarlette Bobo is October 6, 11 AM- 2 PM. Moxy, Banff. $21.86 for show; tickets do not include brunch.

• Listen to live country music while you two-step. Honky Tonk is October 6, 5- 7 PM. Legion, Exshaw. Kids free, $20 adults.

• Explore theatre with like-minded individuals. Banff Theatre Collective hosts this Theatre Drop-in on October 6 at 7 PM. 101 Bear Street (upstairs), Banff.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• 👋Elevation Gallery wants your feedback! They're considering a holiday market for artisans on Main Street.

• 🤩Want to win dinner for two at Kain Tayo? Leave a 5-star review on TripAdvisor by November 1st!

• 🍟The Canmore Rose and Crown Canmore’s Neighborhood Specials are back! Swing by Sunday at 2 PM for $10.99 pork riblets and fries!

• 🍗Love food but not the prep? Check out Thanksgiving options from Britestone, Mountain Fire Foods, and Iron Goat!

• 🛶Join the unofficial witch/warlock paddle at Two Jack Lake on October 16 at 12:30 PM!

• ⛔The Pharaoh Lake Area is closed until October 31 due to a black bear on a carcass. Check the map for details!

• 🙋Looking to volunteer? Help coordinate the Rocky Mount photo contest! Email Laurie at [email protected] for details!

• 💪All town SPIN classes are now at the Canmore Recreation Centre in room 240 rather than Elevation Place. Don’t forget to check in!

CIVIC NEWS

• If you haven't signed up for the Voyant Alert app yet, you're missing out! It covers Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and the MD of Bighorn, so you can get updates for all those areas. You'll receive alerts about road closures and reminders for outages—perfect for staying in the loop!

• KID and the MD of Bighorn have put together a draft transit plan and want to hear from you! They're hosting a virtual public info session on October 9, 2024, and everyone—residents, employees, and visitors—are invited to share their thoughts. Your feedback will help shape the final plan, so don’t miss out! Check out the project website for more details.

LIVE MUSIC

• Friday, October 4, 9 PM: Banff Pride presents Club Detour. Location: Banff Sizzlers, Banff.

• Friday, October 4, 9 PM:  Live music with Arn Smit. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Friday, October 4, 9:30 PM: Sing outside the shower at karaoke night. Location: HI, Banff.

• Saturday, October 5, 10:55 AM: The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD presents Les Contes d'Hoffmann by Offenbach. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $25

• Saturday, October 5, 9:30 PM: Check out 6016 Dance Supply. Location: Tavern 1883, Canmore.

• Sunday, October 6, 7-8 PM: For Jasper We Sing– Fundraiser for the Jasper Community Relief Fund. Location: St. George’s in the Pines, Banff.

• Sunday, October 6, 7:30 PM: Suzie Villeneuve Francophone Performance. Location: artsPlace, Canmore. $20

• Sunday, October 6, 8-11 PM: Brat Banff featuring DJ Adam Doubleyou. Location: Banff Ave Brewery Tap Room. No cover. 

SPORTS

• Canmore's Noah Philp is turning heads at the Edmonton Oilers training camp, impressing everyone with his performance. The 26-year-old forward is in the mix for a spot on the roster after a year off due to personal reasons. His strong skills on the penalty kill and winning faceoffs have caught the coaching staff's attention. Philp's hard work this summer and determination make him a contender for opening night on October 9!

• Hey, Bow Valley locals! Bonspiel registration is open now, with non-residents able to sign up starting October 7 at 10 AM Call the admin office at 403-678-5959 ext. 236 to register! Check out the curling events tab here for more details on dates and events.

That’s all, folks!

We’ll see you back here on Monday, same time, same place!